Frequently Asked Questions
Clear distinctions between the presentations we stock. The supplied manufacturer label and product information always take priority.
Bacteriostatic water vs sterile water vs saline
| Bacteriostatic Water | Sterile Water | Bacteriostatic Saline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | Water + 0.9% benzyl alcohol | Purified water only | 0.9% NaCl + benzyl alcohol |
| Preservative | Yes (benzyl alcohol) | None | Yes (benzyl alcohol) |
| Multi-dose (re-entry) | Yes | No — single use | Yes |
| Isotonic | No | No | Yes (0.9%) |
| Labelled format | Multi-dose | Single-dose | Multi-dose |
| Selection | Per relevant medicine information | Per relevant medicine information | Per relevant medicine information |
The bacteriostatic presentations are stocked as factory-sealed manufacturer vials: bacteriostatic water and BAC sodium chloride 0.9% (bacteriostatic saline).
Questions & answers
What is Bacteriostatic Water for Injection?
Bacteriostatic Water for Injection is sterile, nonpyrogenic water containing 0.9% (9 mg/mL) benzyl alcohol as a bacteriostatic preservative, supplied as a multiple-dose diluent or solvent for compatible drugs that require preparation before injection. We stock it as the factory-sealed 30 mL multi-dose manufacturer presentation.
Is BAC water the same as bacteriostatic water?
Yes. BAC water is simply the common abbreviation for bacteriostatic water — the two terms describe the same product. You may also see it written as bacteriostatic water for injection, BWFI or bac water. All refer to sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a bacteriostatic preservative, supplied as a multiple-dose diluent.
What is the difference between bacteriostatic water, sterile water and saline?
Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Sterile water is preservative-free. Bacteriostatic sodium chloride — also called BAC sodium chloride, BAC saline or bacteriostatic saline — is isotonic 0.9% saline with a bacteriostatic preservative. Follow the manufacturer product information and your healthcare professional's direction when selecting a diluent.
How long can a multi-dose vial be used after opening?
Follow the beyond-use guidance on the vial label and in the manufacturer product information. Do not use a solution that is cloudy, discoloured or contains visible particles; ask a qualified healthcare professional if you are unsure.
Can a sterile water vial be reused?
No. Preservative-free sterile water has no bacteriostatic agent, so it is intended for a single withdrawal and should not be re-entered.
How should I store bacteriostatic water?
Follow the vial label and manufacturer product information for storage, handling and disposal requirements.
What is benzyl alcohol and why 0.9%?
Benzyl alcohol is a preservative used in certain medical solutions. At 0.9% (9 mg/mL) it acts as a bacteriostatic agent. Refer to the manufacturer product information for the supplied presentation.
Can these diluents be injected by themselves?
No. They are not ready-to-administer medicines. The manufacturer product information warns that intravenous administration of Bacteriostatic Water for Injection or Sterile Water for Injection without a solute may cause haemolysis. Follow the exact label and product information under qualified healthcare-professional direction.
How much is shipping and how fast is dispatch?
Standard shipping is $9.99, Express is $14.99, and express is free on orders over $150. All amounts are in AUD; GST is not charged or included in the displayed prices. Orders placed before 2pm Melbourne time on a business day are dispatched the same business day, shipped Australia-wide from Melbourne.
Do you ship Australia-wide?
Yes. We ship within Australia from Melbourne and email tracking once your order is dispatched. We do not currently ship internationally.
What is your returns policy?
We do not accept change-of-mind returns, but your rights under the Australian Consumer Law are not excluded — faulty, damaged or incorrect items are refunded or replaced. See our Shipping & Returns page for full details.
What payment methods do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Afterpay, PayID and direct bank transfer. Card payments are processed securely through Stripe with TLS encryption.
More detail in our glossary and guides. Shipping and returns details are on our Shipping & Returns page.
These products are diluents or solvents, not ready-to-administer medicines. Never inject by themselves or self-administer. Follow the supplied manufacturer information and qualified healthcare-professional direction.